That hasn’t assuaged advocates, who’ve accused the council of trying to push out the city’s homeless population. They worry the ordinance will have a “chilling effect” on local nonprofits and community groups and deter the city’s roughly 600 residents living on the streets from accepting needed services.

Outreach workers in the Bay Area city of Fremont worry the new ordinance could target them, despite assurances from the city.

A California city voted to criminalize “aiding” and “abetting” homeless camps Tuesday – an unusual move that advocates say could stifle aid to help for people who need it.